Mayor Zohran Mamdani's statement marking the anniversary of the Oct. 7 Hamas terror attack in Israel is drawing fire. In it, Mamdani acknowledged the pain caused by the killings and kidnappings that day. But more than three-quarters of the statement criticized the Israeli government, repeating claims of genocide. The mayor's statement called for freedom, safety and dignity — but not for the elimination of Hamas. Former UN Ambassador Nikki Haley slammed the statement, saying of Mamdani: "Shame on you for trying to blow a kiss and slap Israelis in the face at the same time." Mamdani has made no secret of his criticisms of Israel, which predate the 2023 attacks. For some Jewish New Yorkers, his views are a dealbreaker. Others don't take his views personally. But on this particular day, many said it had crossed a line when Mamdani issued a statement they described as more critical of Israel than of atrocities committed against it. The mayor's allies have said he is attempting to elevate the Palestinian position, which they say was underrepresented by previous mayors. Efforts to reach several Muslim groups and Mamdani associates for comment were unsuccessful. Some Jewish New Yorkers told us they agree with the mayor. The Board of Peace, set up to rebuild Gaza, said the UN Security Council had entrusted the Board with "breaking the cycle of fear and bloodshed that has persisted for decades as Hamas and other terrorist organizations held hostage Palestinians and their neighbors," adding they are also "striving to create conditions for a lasting peace through the demilitarization and deradicalization of Gaza." #zohranmamdani #nyc #nbc4ny - @nbcnewyork